Prevalence and factors associated with intimate partner violence experiences among young married women in Nigeria: a cross-sectional study.

In Nigeria, where early marriage and entrenched gender norms persist, evidence on intimate partner violence (IPV) among young married women remains limited and often narrowly focused on age-related risk. This study aimed to examine the prevalence of IPV and factors associated with IPV experiences among young married women in selected states in Nigeria. This household cross-sectional study was conducted among 872 young married women aged 15-24 years in Niger, Ondo, and Oyo States using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. IPV was defined as any experience of emotional, physical, or sexual violence perpetrated by a husband. Bivariate associations were assessed using chi-square tests, and multivariate logistic regression was used to determine factors independently associated with IPV at a 5% significance level. Overall, 26.5% of respondents reported experiencing IPV, with emotional violence being the most common form. In adjusted analyses, women with primary or no formal education (AOR = 4.28; 95% CI: 1.93-9.50) and secondary education (AOR = 2.51; 95% CI: 1.25-5.05) had significantly higher odds of IPV compared with those with tertiary education. Residence in rural (AOR = 2.53; 95% CI: 1.43-4.50) and urban areas (AOR = 3.36; 95% CI: 1.92-5.87) was associated with increased likelihood of experiencing IPV relative to peri-urban residence. High autonomy in household decision-making was also associated with higher odds of IPV (AOR = 2.32; 95% CI: 1.42-3.80). These findings emphasize the need for strengthened primary prevention strategies that address structural and sociocultural drivers of IPV among young married women. The Federal and State Ministries of Health, in collaboration with community stakeholder, should prioritize interventions that promote educational attainment, transform harmful gender norms, engage men and community leaders, and implement community-based behavior change programs targeting high-risk residential settings. While integrating routine IPV screening and referral into youth-friendly services remains important, greater emphasis must be placed on upstream interventions aimed at preventing IPV before it occurs.